Eight strokes in front of the chasing pack overnight was all it took for 22-year old Rory Mcllroy to card a two-under-par-69 and to become the youngest champion of the U.S. Open since 1923.

“I couldn’t ask for much more and I’m so happy to be holding this trophy,” McIlroy said at the trophy presentation. I couldn’t be happier.”

Mcllroy has long been regarded as a future number one in world golf and he did so this time with a 16-under 268 tournament record, leaving his challengers trailing a long way behind.

A lot of people were in doubt about his recovery from a meltdown during his final round at the Masters two months ago but Mcllroy said he has moved on and he showed them he was true to his words.

Mcllroy broke into a smile after he pumped his fist in celebration after safely parring the last and two-putted from the front of the green.

Alone in second place with a score of 68 was Australian golfer Jason Day. He was two strokes better than Yang Yong-eun of South Korea with a 71, Lee Westwood of Britain with a 70 and Americans Kevin Chapell and Robert Garrigus with 60 and 70 respectively.

Mcllroy, who is the second Irishman to win the title next to last year’s champion Graeme McDowell, has accomplished several records with his U.S. Open win including besting the best aggregate of 12-under previously set during the 2000 US Open by Tiger Woods.

“My hat’s off to Rory this week,” McDowell told reporters after closing with a 69. “It’s been waiting to happen. He’s been this good for a long time, and it’s great to see him fulfil his potential. He’s an awesome player.

“Nothing this kid does ever surprises me. He’s the best player I’ve ever seen. I didn’t have a chance to play with Tiger when he was in his real pump, and this guy is the best I’ve ever seen, simple as that.”

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